FAST Global Solutions, a leader in the manufacturing of airline, air cargo and material handling equipment, is celebrating the accomplishments of Teresa Heinze. 

Heinze is a 2023 graduate of Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa High School who recently completed a youth apprenticeship with FAST and then secured a full-time position within the company, it was announced last week.

During her youth apprenticeship, Heinze spent time working across various departments, including fabrication, paint line, welding and assembly. This diverse experience allowed her to explore different areas of the company and gain valuable insight into her career interests. “Not everyone gets to come up to a job and try out everything before they decide what they want to do full-time,” Heinze said. “Usually you have to know what you want before you go and get the job.”

Heinze grew up on a farm, an experience that nurtured her passion for hands-on work. 

“I’ve always loved farming, but I decided that I don’t want to milk cows for the rest of my life,” she said. “I wanted a different career path.” 

While initially drawn to welding, she ultimately found her passion in assembly, where she appreciated the opportunity to work on different projects and embrace new challenges. “I really enjoyed getting to experience so many different things and try everything out and learn if it was something I’d want to do full time,” shared Heinze. “It made that decision easier.”

Discussing her favorite aspects of her apprenticeship experience, Heinze emphasized the importance of building strong relationships within the workplace. “I really enjoyed getting to meet so many different people and learn their stories,” she explained. “It’s nice to figure out who you can really connect with at your job.”

Heinze’s positive experience and the opportunity to work alongside others led her to make the decision to continue her career with FAST. She recently accepted a full-time role as an assembler and is looking forward to contributing her skills to the company’s success. “I really like that I know the people here, I get along with everybody, and I get to work in a shop setting, which is something I’ve always wanted to do,” Heinze said.

To students contemplating an apprenticeship at FAST, Heinze encourages them to embrace the opportunity with open arms. “Just go for it,” she advises. “There are no regrets. I initially thought I wanted to be a welder, and the apprenticeship allowed me to explore my interests and decide that assembly was where I really wanted to be.”

FAST Global Solutions remains committed to nurturing talent and providing apprenticeship and internship opportunities to students seeking a dynamic and rewarding career in the material handling industry. For more information about FAST Global Solutions and its apprenticeship program, please contact their HR team at 320-634-7398.

About FAST Global Solutions

FAST Global Solutions is a leading provider of solutions for the passenger airline and material handling industries. With a commitment to excellence and a focus on customer success, FAST offers a wide range of products and services, including conveyor systems, ground support equipment, custom-built machinery and more. Learn more at fastsolutions.com.